THE HAGUE - The long-discussed plan to reintroduce an annual Kingdom Conference has effectively been shelved. This conclusion can be drawn from a brief but telling remark in a letter sent to the Dutch Senate by Minister of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations (BZK) Frank Rijkaart, also on behalf of State Secretary Eddie van Marum.
Responding to a question from the Senate’s Committee on Kingdom Relations regarding the implementation of the 2019 Van Raak motion—calling for a structured discussion with the governments of the CAS countries (Curaçao, Aruba, and Sint Maarten) on the division of responsibilities within the Kingdom—Rijkaart stated: “It was previously decided to make the subject of the Van Raak motion part of a Kingdom Conference. It is now clear that this conference will not take place.”
In July 2022, a broad majority in the Dutch House of Representatives adopted the Wuite/Van Raan motion, urging the government to revive the tradition of an annual summit between the four countries of the Kingdom. Preparations for the renewed conference were to be handled by a joint “Kingdom Commission,” chaired by Curaçao.
However, before that commission could begin its work, the countries still needed to sign a formal establishment protocol. That never happened. Aruba opposed the proposed setup of the conference, leading to an impasse. As a result, the revamped Kingdom Conference—originally scheduled for 25 and 26 March 2023—was canceled.
At the time, then–State Secretary Alexandra van Huffelen stated that the issue should be left for the next cabinet to resolve. That cabinet, however, made no effort to revive the stalled process.
Despite the demise of the Kingdom Conference, the Senate committee still expects answers from Rijkaart and Van Marum regarding the implementation of the Van Raak motion. During its procedural meeting today, the committee set a new deadline for the government’s response: 31 December.